Call to action! Support proposals to relax advertising rules on family planning centres and condoms

June 10th, 2009

We are calling on members and supporters to respond as soon as possible to a consultation that makes important and ethical proposals to relax advertising rules to allow family planning centres to advertise on radio and TV, and to allow them to say whether or not they refer women for abortion (not currently allowed). Changes would also permit the advertising of condoms on television before the 9pm “watershed” (nope, that’s not currently allowed either!)

This review of the broadcasting advertising code provides a real opportunity to modernise the rules and provide vital and objective information on such important matters as contraception and how to access pregnancy advice.

We know that there will be many who oppose these proposals and will be responding to the consultation to try to prevent any changes to the current restrictive rules and maybe even restrict them further.Here’s what the Archbishop of Westminster had to say about it:

‘Archbishop Nichols, who has already forced the Government to change its mind over non-religious quotas for faith schools and campaigned against gay adoptions, said that current television advertising for condoms demeaned young people by depicting “casual sex on the street corner” and “drunken sex”.

‘In an interview to mark Good Friday, the day that Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, he urged Catholics to respond to a consultation exercise on the proposed changes. The country would not expect abortion to be advertised “alongside a packet of crisps”, he said.

It is vital that as many of you as possible let Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) know that you are in support of their proposals.

Here’s what you can do

You only have until 5pm on Friday 19th June to respond to this consultation, so we’ve made it easier for you to let BCAP know what you think about BCAP’s (very good!) proposals to relax advertising rules on family planning centres and condoms.

Use our specially designed campaigns page to find out more information about the whole consultation, more about our position, to access the consultation documents (so you can read the proposals for yourself if you want) and to email the consultation team directly. We’ve even given you suggested answers to make it even easier to respond – but it would be even better if you can add your own thoughts to those as personalised responses will be counted and considered individually.

If you need any more information, visit our website or contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.

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